February 10, 2025
Skye Patrick, County Librarian and CEO of LA County Library, Honored with 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award
Skye Patrick, County Librarian and CEO of LA County Library, is one of seven individuals to receive the prestigious 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award from The James Irvine Foundation. This distinguished recognition honors individuals and organizations who are making a significant impact in tackling critical issues across California, including equity in library services, Indigenous science and food sovereignty, Latina civic leadership, environmental justice, Black maternal health, and representation in entertainment.
The 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award acknowledges outstanding Californians whose work exemplifies exceptional leadership, characterized by significance, innovation, effectiveness, inclusiveness, timing, and leadership capacity. As part of this honor, LA County Library and fellow award recipients will each receive a $350,000 grant to support their ongoing efforts toward making a lasting impact on their respective communities.
Patrick’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in advancing equitable access to library services for the more than 10 million residents across Los Angeles County. Under her leadership, LA County Library has become a model for innovative and inclusive library services that break down barriers and create a sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. This award celebrates the work of Patrick and LA County Library staff and showcases the invaluable role of libraries as essential community hubs.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to The James Irvine Foundation for acknowledging the impact libraries have in breaking down barriers and providing a place where everyone belongs,” said Skye Patrick, County Librarian & CEO of LA County Library. “This award helps celebrate the contributions of libraries nationwide, and we are proud to continue our work to ensure that every person in LA County has access to the resources they need to succeed.”
The James Irvine Leadership Awards help spotlight the transformative power of individuals and organizations that are making a profound difference in the lives of Californians. As libraries remain essential hubs for information, access, engagement, and community support, this award highlights their crucial role as pillars of inclusion and belonging that foster environments where everyone can thrive.
View this video to learn more about Skye Patrick.
About LA County Library
Founded in 1912, LA County Library is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US. It provides culturally responsive and dynamic collections, programs, and services to meet the literacy, information, personal enrichment, and entertainment needs of all residents across Los Angeles County. Dedicated to reducing barriers and increasing equitable access for all, LA County Library serves 3.4 million residents across 3,000 square miles through its 86 libraries, and mobile fleet of 15 vehicles, including 4 Bookmobiles, 6 MākMō (maker mobiles), 3 early literacy vehicles, and 2 mobile outreach vehicles. To learn more, visit LACountyLibrary.org and follow @LACountyLibrary on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
About The James Irvine Foundation
The James Irvine Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation dedicated to expanding opportunity for the people of California. The Foundation’s focus is a California where all low-income workers have the power to advance economically. Since 1937 the Foundation has provided more than $2.759 billion in grants to organizations throughout California. The Foundation ended 2024 with $3.3 billion in assets and provided nearly $159 million in grants. For more, please visit www.irvine.org.
